We all could sit and listen to someone with a foreign accent talk forever. As soon as the word "foreign" swims its way into a conversation, it has the same outcome as throwing a piece of meat to a pack of wolves. Everyone is going to bombard the person and try to be their friend, but deep down, so do you. And, if you're lucky enough to truly befriend them, then you better hold onto that friendship tight, because befriending a foreign exchange student is an experience like no other. Yes, a major benefit is hearing their voices and seeing their persona change. The student adapts to the country they are residing in quite rapidly. But, there is more to it than their accents that make your heart melt. Sucks, right? Not really; you are here to befriend them, anyway!
First, make them feel comfortable being miles away from home. I personally had a hard time being an hour away from home. Truly all the student needs is comfort, especially the first few weeks. So, here is a bit advice; DO NOT make them feel like an object to pass around and show off. Just do not do it. Don't use them as bragging rights either, because they will share information about their home that could really surprise you. For example, the media only shares the Olympic parts of Rio; the outsider's creation. When in actuality, there is so much poverty in Brazil. I have learned so much from foreign exchange students, because I took time to actually listen to them. When they hear their accents from an outsiders' perspective, it can show them how we view them. I have watched an Australian television show with an Australian, and she actually realized what her accent sounds like. I even learned and tried Vegimite and Fairy Bread. I have learned the similarities and differences between two countries directly. But, the absolute BEST part of befriending a foreign exchange student is the special connection you will feel with their country; you will respect people with a new light, and you will find yourself spending time rooting their country on, and even paying more attention to their news.
And, you know you did your job well if they don't want to go home by the end of their stay. A foreign exchange student will always be more than a cute face and a leg-weakening accent. If you ever have the chance to connect to someone who is from another timezone, you will not regret it! I hold onto those friendships dearly, and I know they do the same. They will always have your back, no matter what time of day (because it probably is a different time of day!).
